ELLA Express

You have a business idea or have recently started a business and it is beginning to gain traction. Now learn the foundational business knowledge you need to make smart decisions from the start. Read on to find out how ELLA Express can provide you with the business acumen and tools you need to succeed.

Learn the fundamentals to help you build a thriving business

ELLA Express is a 2-week intensive bootcamp-style program designed to help women-led product and service-based businesses build a solid foundation for growth.

Whether you have a professional services company, brick and mortar retail store, food business or other, the program aims to equip you with the essential tools, skills and knowledge you need to make smart decisions from the start.

All workshops throughout the 2 weeks will be held from 10-11:30am Monday-Friday for easy scheduling.

What you'll receive as a program participant in ELLA Express:

Expert Feedback

Through the workshops and Office Hours, you will have the opportunity to receive expert advice about how to build your business for growth.

ELLA Express was great, as we were able to connect with professionals to get more knowledge on different areas to apply in our business. It is a great source of networking and I value the dedication of everyone involved.

- ELLA Express 2021 alumna

— Lorem Ipsum

Community

ELLA gives you access to an inclusive community of women entrepreneurs who span across many backgrounds, industries, and specializations. Connect with your peers through a networking session to form invaluable partnerships and broaden your network for years to come.

Skills Training

Acquire the knowledge and skills you need to grow your business successfully.

Business Model Canvas: This workshop will teach you about different building blocks of a business model. You will also learn how to select and modify an appropriate business model to ensure your business succeeds.

Marketing Fundamentals: This workshop will help you market your product or service efficiently. Learn the basic fundamentals of marketing and build your brand.

Building your Sales Funnel: This workshop will help you get in a better position to increase revenue through effective selling. Learn how to structure your sales funnel and close deals.

Business Finances: This workshop will give insight into how to manage your business’ finances, including forecasting, budgeting, and implementing useful accounting systems. Ensure your business is financially optimized for growth.

Website Optimization & Tools: This workshop will give you practical hacks to help you make your website work for you. No design or coding experience is required and the tools you will be learning about are free.

Mastering the Perfect Pitch: This workshop will explore the key elements of an effective pitch and pitch deck to help you secure new customers, partnerships, funding and more. Knowing how to tell the story of your business in an engaging way will attract the support you need.

You will have the option of booking Office Hours to get expert feedback on:

- Your business model canvas
- Your value proposition design
- Your pitch

Final Showcase

Participants will compete for one of 5 spots to pitch in the Final Showcase and be eligible to win the Grand Prize.

ELLA Express is supported in part by the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund from ventureLAB and York Region.

You are eligible to apply for ELLA Express if:

You are a woman entrepreneur and you are about to launch your business or you have launched your business recently and want to scale
Your business is located in Southern Ontario (between Ottawa to Windsor) 
You are open to change and looking to step out of your comfort zone
You can commit fully to the requirements of a 2-week intensive accelerator program (approximately 3 hours per day Monday to Friday, plus time to complete deliverables)